Star Princess - Countdown To Debut Begins with Keel Laying Ceremony
Princess Cruises' New Shining Star Princess Begins Countdown for Summer 2025 Mediterranean Debut
In a milestone celebration at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, Princess Cruises and their partners marked the start of construction for the remarkable new Sphere Class cruise ship, Star Princess. The traditional keel laying ceremony, a significant maritime tradition, saw the lowering of the ship's 500-ton keel into position on the keel blocks in the dry dock. The keel, being the bottommost part of the ship and main foundation, is the first block of the vessel to be constructed.
This cornerstone event was attended by Princess Cruises and Fincantieri executives. The keel placement itself was a computer-guided manoeuvre taking only minutes to complete. However it marked the commencement of more than two million man-hours that will ultimately go into building this new cruise ship.
The keel laying was followed by a traditional blessing and coin ceremony, during which a Princess Medallion was welded into the ship. This symbolic act, believed to bring good luck, encapsulates the fusion of advanced technology, Italian craftsmanship, and the distinctive Princess design heritage, as expressed by John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises.
Star Princess, sister ship of Sun Princess and the largest ship in Princess Cruises' fleet at 175,500 tons, is set to debut in the Mediterranean in August 2025. While 20% larger than its predecessors, Star Princess promises to maintain the intimate settings Princess is renowned for, offering a unique blend of advanced technology and timeless design.
The ship's innovative spaces include "The Dome," an entertainment venue inspired by Santorini's terraces, a next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere, the technologically-advanced "See it to believe it" Princess Arena, and a majestic three-storey dining room offering unforgettable wake views. Accommodations are elevated with luxurious staterooms and suites, providing guests with an unparalleled experience in relaxation and serenity.
Star Princess proudly features the exclusive Princess Experience, powered by the Medallion, ensuring personalised and exceptional experiences for all guests. Notably, the ship is the second in the Princess fleet to embrace LNG fuel technology and incorporates cutting-edge sustainable innovations.
As Princess Cruises and Fincantieri continue their multi-decade shipbuilding collaboration, Star Princess emerges as a testament to their commitment to crafting spectacular vessels that seamlessly blend technological innovation, Italian craftsmanship, and the timeless elegance of Princess design. The countdown has begun, and the summer of 2025 eagerly awaits the grand debut of Star Princess, promising unforgettable cruises for all who embark on her remarkable journey.
To find out more about Star Princess or to book visit Princess Cruises website.